A free panel discussion titled ”Ending the Culture of Violence in Schools and College Campuses” will be held on March 19 from 7-9 p.m. at Martin G. Peterson Education Center in Modesto.
The panel will include Stanislaus County Sheriff, Adam Christianson, Office of Eduction Superintendent, Tom Changnon, University of Pacific Vice President for Student Life, Patrick Day, Oakland Police Chief, Lester Jenkins, Family Justice Center Executive Director, Tom Ciccarelli and Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Director, Dr. Madelyn Schlaepfer.
A committee of members from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and members of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Modesto chapters are organizing the event. The panel discussion is sponsored by both of these group as well as the League of Women Voters and the Stanislaus County of Education.
Topics to be discussed are: crime, sexual assault, substance abuse, breakdown of the family unit and mental health. Representatives from community agencies will provide information about resources available to the public. Members of the audience will be given a chance to participate.
Kathleen Hailey, the committee member handling publicity for “Ending the Culture of Violence,” discussed why the event was organized.
“Arlene Jones, a member of AAUW, was motivated by the departure of her granddaughter from college and the recent killing on the campus of University of California, Santa Barbra,” Hailey said.”The event was born of her concern and conviction that we can make a change.”
Hailey hopes the fight will not stop at the event.
“The event is designed to generate ways to to move our ideas beyond accepting violence as a norm, we do not want to discuss the problem, rather we will determine what steps need to be taken to begin the change in the way our society views these horrific acts of terror toward our children,” Hailey said.
“It will take many more meetings and gathering of people with the same conviction that change can happen, but the longest journey begins with the first step and we see this event as the first step.”
She also encourages everyone to attend and add their voice in order to make a difference.
“I am sure we all feel that truly “enough is enough,” but rather than wringing our hands and saying, ‘oh dear, oh my, what shouldn’t we do,’ come to this beginning event and add your voice or ideas to the mix of many others and make a difference,” Hailey said. “The greatest movements started with a small group of individuals. Be the one who makes a difference.”
Correction: A Previous version of this article identified the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International and American Association of University Women incorrectly. It has been corrected here.